Islamic militant groups linked to al-Qaida launched recent attacks in Mali, causing major violence and weakening the military government led by Assimi Goïta. Although the militants may not fully take over the country, they have gained control of key areas and are pushing the government toward negotiation.
Key Facts
In 2021, soldier Assimi Goïta led a coup and seized power in Mali.
Last summer, al-Qaida-affiliated militants attacked military bases and towns in Mali and Burkina Faso.
The militant coalition includes Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists.
JNIM and allies used ambushes, car bombs, drones, and other weapons in coordinated attacks.
Mali’s defense minister and head of military intelligence were killed in recent attacks.
Militants captured the northern town of Kidal after government forces fled or surrendered.
The Sahel region, including Mali, suffers from poverty, instability, and many armed conflicts.
Government failures and harsh military tactics have allowed militants to gain support by providing some protection and enforcing strict Islamic rules.
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Lebanon’s environment minister accuses Israel of causing widespread environmental damage during its military actions from 2023 to 2024. A report shows large-scale harm to forests, farmland, water, and air, leading to serious public health, food security, and economic problems in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
The report covers damage from Israeli military attacks between October 2023 and December 2024.
About 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) of forest were damaged, including pine and broadleaf trees.
Agricultural assets worth $118 million were destroyed, including crops, livestock areas, and fisheries.
Lost agricultural production due to damaged land is valued at $586 million.
Over 2,000 hectares (5,320 acres) of orchards were destroyed, including olive groves, citrus trees, and banana farms.
Soil contamination was found, with high levels of phosphorus in southern Lebanon and Bekaa valley.
The report notes widespread air pollution caused by the attacks, including toxic chemicals and smoke.
The total estimated cost of environmental damage and recovery is around $25 billion.
Lebanon’s environment minister called for international help to address the damage and aid recovery.
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The assisted dying bill for terminally ill adults in England and Wales was blocked in the House of Lords, ending its chance to become law. This follows a similar rejection of assisted dying legislation by Scotland’s parliament. Supporters of the bill expressed disappointment, while some critics raised concerns about the bill’s design and protections for vulnerable people.
Key Facts
The assisted dying bill was voted down in the House of Lords after many amendments.
Scotland’s parliament also rejected a similar assisted dying proposal in March.
Assisted dying is legal in countries like Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and most of Australia.
Campaigners said the blocking of the bill was frustrating since it had already passed in the House of Commons.
Opponents felt the bill was poorly made and did not protect vulnerable groups enough.
Both supporters and opponents expressed unhappiness with the outcome.
The bill aimed to allow terminally ill adults to legally end their own lives under certain conditions.
The debate touched on ethical questions about suffering and rights for terminally ill people.
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Oil prices rose despite Iran offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if nuclear talks with the U.S. are postponed. The strait, important for global fuel transport, has seen fewer ships due to Iran’s blockade, causing concerns over oil supply.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price rose over 1 percent, reaching $109.42 per barrel.
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for delaying nuclear negotiations with the U.S.
The U.S. has not publicly responded to Iran’s offer.
The blockade has reduced ship traffic in the strait from an average of 129 vessels per day to just 8 on one recent day.
Iran’s actions have lowered global oil production by about 14.5 million barrels per day.
Shipping experts say it could take months to restore normal energy flows due to damage, backlogs, and mines in the water.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for moving oil and natural gas worldwide.
The conflict and blockade started after the U.S. and Israel began military actions against Iran in late February.
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Six political party leaders in Wales are preparing for a live debate ahead of a closely contested Senedd election. The debate will cover key issues like health, education, cost of living, and immigration, and will be broadcast on BBC One Wales and the BBC website.
Key Facts
The debate will last about an hour and a half and is hosted by Bethan Rhys Roberts.
It will be shown live on BBC One Wales and available on the BBC website.
Six party leaders will participate, aiming to persuade undecided voters.
This election is unusual due to a new voting system and more politicians being elected.
Labour's 27-year control of the Senedd is seriously challenged by Plaid Cymru and Reform parties.
Key topics include health, education, cost of living, and immigration policy.
Immigration policy is controlled by the UK government, but is debated by Welsh politicians.
Parties may need to form agreements after the election because no single party is expected to win a majority.
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President Donald Trump is unhappy with Iran's latest peace proposal to end the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The proposal suggests delaying talks about Iran's nuclear program until the war ends, but the US insists nuclear issues must be addressed immediately.
Key Facts
Iran proposes to pause nuclear discussions until the war with the US and Israel ends.
The US demands that nuclear issues be part of any peace talks from the start.
The conflict centers around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas trade.
Trump met with security advisors to discuss Iran’s proposal, expressing dissatisfaction.
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with several countries fell apart after Trump withdrew the US in his first term.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the proposal is somewhat better than expected but questioned its sincerity.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for stalled peace talks due to "excessive demands."
Russia supports Iran diplomatically and offered to mediate and store Iran’s enriched uranium, proposals rejected by the US.
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A report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe shows that journalists across the EU face more harassment, threats, and violence. Media outlets are owned by fewer people, public trust in the news has dropped, and public media are losing independence due to political interference and budget cuts.
Key Facts
Journalists in the EU are experiencing increased harassment, threats, and physical violence, including bomb attacks.
Media ownership is becoming more concentrated, with fewer people controlling many outlets in countries like Hungary, France, and Slovakia.
Public trust in media has fallen sharply across Europe.
Political interference and budget cuts are harming public TV and radio services, limiting their independence.
In Italy, 118 attacks on journalists were recorded last year, including physical violence, with many journalists under police protection.
Online harassment of journalists reached a record high, with 377 serious attacks including death threats in 2025.
Some politicians have started campaigns that label independent news outlets as “foreign propaganda” or “forces of darkness.”
Lawsuits intended to silence journalists (called SLAPPs) are still widely used despite EU rules meant to stop them.
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Welsh Labour, which has won every election in Wales for about 100 years, is likely to lose power in the upcoming May Senedd election. This could lead to a new government including the pro-independence party Plaid Cymru, marking a major political change in Wales and raising questions about the party's future.
Key Facts
Welsh Labour has won every general election in Wales since 1922 and every devolved election since 1999.
The upcoming Senedd election may end Labour’s 27-year control in Wales.
Polls show Plaid Cymru and the Reform UK party are tied, but it is unlikely Reform UK can form a government.
If Plaid Cymru joins government, it would be the first time the pro-independence party is a senior partner.
Welsh Labour’s long rule faces criticism over poor NHS waiting times and low school performance compared to other UK nations.
Poverty rates in Wales have increased, with nearly half the population in severe poverty as of 2023.
Labour’s recent leadership scandals and perceived unpopularity of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer have hurt the party in Wales.
The election’s result could lead to significant debates within Welsh Labour about the party’s direction and policies.
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Armed attackers killed at least 29 people in Guyaku village, Adamawa State, Nigeria, in a several-hour attack that also destroyed property. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, and security forces said they will continue efforts to stop such violence. On the same day, gunmen kidnapped 23 children from an orphanage in another part of Nigeria; 15 were rescued and searches continue for the rest.
Key Facts
At least 29 people were killed in an attack on Guyaku village in Adamawa State, Nigeria.
The attack lasted several hours and caused property damage.
The Islamic State (ISIL) group claimed responsibility through a post on Telegram.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the community and promised to support military and vigilante groups.
On the same day, 23 children were kidnapped from a Nigerian orphanage; 15 were rescued.
The government said it is working to safely recover the remaining kidnapped children.
There has been an increase in kidnappings for ransom in parts of Nigeria.
US forces conducted airstrikes against ISIL fighters in Nigeria and deployed troops to train local forces.
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The Victorian Society has named 10 important buildings in England and Wales that are in danger because they are neglected or falling apart. These buildings, including Teesside’s Transporter Bridge and a disinfecting station in London, are protected by law but need urgent repairs and care.
Key Facts
The Victorian Society published its annual list of the top 10 endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales.
The Teesside Transporter Bridge, built in 1911, has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns and needs £60 million in repairs.
The list includes a disinfecting station in Hackney, London, unused for decades.
Other sites include a former men’s club in Barrow, a neglected mausoleum in north Wales, and a Victorian house with rare paintings in Essex.
Most buildings on the list already have legal protection (Grade II or Grade II* listed) but still face decay or neglect.
The Victorian Society is asking for national support to protect these buildings and find new uses for them.
The overall goal is to preserve these historic sites because they show the rich heritage and civic pride of the past.
Without action, these buildings risk further damage from vandalism, decay, or even fire.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s political relationship with President Donald Trump is strained after she refused to support U.S. attacks on Iran and distanced herself from some of Trump’s actions. This conflict highlights the limits of relying on Trump for Italy’s international standing, especially as geopolitical tensions and domestic issues make her position more difficult.
Key Facts
The Trump administration reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup, which Italian officials denied.
President Trump criticized Meloni for not joining the U.S. in attacking Iran, calling her courage into question.
Meloni’s relationship with Trump is based on shared politics, ideology, and geopolitical interests rather than concrete policy gains.
She tries to balance being close to Trump with maintaining good relations with European Union leaders.
Both Meloni and Trump share a vision of the West based on common history, religion, and culture.
Italy has gained little from its closeness to Trump, aside from some trade adjustments like pasta imports.
The war with Iran has caused economic problems in Italy, including higher fuel costs.
Meloni condemned some of Trump’s personal attacks, especially those against the pope, showing limits in their alliance.
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Senior progressive rabbis in the UK say Israel’s current politics may clash with Jewish values and could threaten Judaism itself. They believe criticizing Israel’s government is a duty for Jews and have launched a book with essays discussing Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel.
Key Facts
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy lead Progressive Judaism, representing about one-third of UK synagogues.
They warned Israel’s current direction might threaten Judaism, not just the country’s future.
Criticism of Israel’s government is seen as a Jewish obligation, not disloyalty.
They co-edited a book with 40 essays on Jewish identity, Zionism, and Israel from various viewpoints.
Progressive Judaism supports a Jewish, pluralist, and democratic state in Israel but welcomes diverse political opinions.
The book and movement aim to promote dialogue and show that differing views can make the Jewish community stronger.
The rabbis identify as religious Zionists but reject far-right Israeli politics and support Palestinian self-determination.
They emphasize no fixed political or theological position is required to join their community.
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A US investigation found that leaders and family members of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia involved in a deadly conflict, have bought luxury properties worth £17.7 million in Dubai. The RSF reportedly funds its activities partly by smuggling gold from Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a base for their wealth and operations.
Key Facts
The RSF is a Sudanese militia led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
The RSF and Sudanese armed forces are in conflict causing a large humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Hemedti’s family and people linked to him own over 20 luxury properties in Dubai, valued at £17.7 million.
Much of their wealth is believed to come from gold smuggled out of Sudan, with Dubai as a key trading hub.
The UAE supports the RSF with weapons and mercenaries, though it denies these claims.
Some of the properties were bought by companies registered in the UAE and linked to the gold trade.
Sanctioned individuals connected to the RSF also own high-value apartments in Dubai.
The Dagalo family claims the properties were bought legally and denies wrongdoing.
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The Mexican military captured Audias Flores, a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was seen as a possible new leader after the previous boss, El Mencho, died in February.
Key Facts
Audias Flores is a high-ranking commander in the CJNG cartel.
The Mexican military conducted an operation to capture him.
Flores was considered a likely successor to El Mencho.
El Mencho, the former cartel leader, died in February.
The military shared video footage of the capture operation.
The CJNG is a powerful criminal group in Mexico.
Capturing Flores is a significant event in the fight against organized crime.
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Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, known as "El Jardinero," a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), along with his chief financial operator. The arrest took place after months of surveillance involving over 500 troops, and Flores was found hiding in a ditch near Puerto Vallarta. Flores is wanted by both Mexico and the United States, with the US offering a $5 million reward.
Key Facts
Audias Flores, aka "El Jardinero," was arrested in Nayarit by Mexican special forces.
Flores was a regional commander of the CJNG, controlling drug operations along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Flores is wanted by the United States, which offered a $5 million reward for his capture.
His financial operator, Cesar Alejandro "El Guero Conta," was arrested in Zapopan for money laundering and buying assets with illegal funds.
The arrest operation involved more than 500 troops, six helicopters, and planes, with no shots fired.
Flores was found hiding in a drainage ditch after his armed guards fled.
The US provided intelligence for the arrest.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned the US against unauthorized CIA operations in Mexico after two CIA agents died in a car accident during a previous anti-drug operation.
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A man in Australia who stabbed and killed a British tourist has been found mentally unfit to stand trial. The attacker, who has a severe mental illness, will be held indefinitely in a mental health facility.
Key Facts
Royce Mallett, a 30-year-old father from County Durham, UK, was stabbed in Albury, New South Wales in July 2024.
David Summers-Smith, aged 29, committed the stabbing and has schizophrenia and psychosis.
Summers-Smith pleaded not guilty due to mental impairment.
The court ruled Summers-Smith committed the murder but cannot be held criminally responsible.
Summers-Smith was using drugs and not responding to treatment at the time of the killing.
He called police himself after the attack and admitted what he did.
Mallett’s family said they are struggling with the loss and its impact on their lives.
Summers-Smith will be reviewed regularly by a mental health tribunal that can adjust his detention.
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Rebel Wilson is involved in a defamation lawsuit in Sydney, accused by actress Charlotte MacInnes of damaging her reputation through social media posts. Wilson denies bullying and says the claims are untrue, while the court examines a disputed incident involving MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost during the filming of Wilson’s movie The Deb.
Key Facts
Rebel Wilson faces a defamation lawsuit from Charlotte MacInnes over Instagram posts in 2024 and 2025.
MacInnes alleges Wilson called her a liar regarding a sexual harassment complaint against producer Amanda Ghost, which MacInnes denies making.
Wilson denies bullying MacInnes, Ghost, or a female writer on the film, calling such claims "absolute nonsense."
The lawsuit centers partly on an incident where MacInnes and Ghost shared a bath to warm up after a cold water allergic reaction.
Wilson says MacInnes described the incident as "uncomfortable," but MacInnes says she only found it "weird" or "bizarre."
Wilson is using the truth defense, stating her social media posts are truthful and do not constitute mistreatment.
MacInnes claims her relationship with Wilson worsened after the bath incident during the filming of The Deb.
MacInnes seeks damages and an order to stop Wilson from making similar public statements in the future.
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Executions in North Korea increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, with at least 153 people executed or sentenced to death between 2020 and 2024. Many of these executions were for crimes related to religion, superstition, and consuming South Korean cultural content like K-dramas and K-pop, which are banned in North Korea.
Key Facts
Between 2011 and 2024, at least 358 people were executed in North Korea.
From 2015 to 2019, executions dropped to an average of about five per year.
From 2020 to 2024, executions rose sharply to at least 153, coinciding with North Korea closing its borders due to the pandemic.
The most common reasons for execution included religion, superstitions, and possession of foreign cultural content such as South Korean dramas and pop music.
Over 70% of the executions were public and mainly carried out by shooting.
Researchers documented 46 execution sites across North Korea used during Kim Jong-un’s rule.
The Transitional Justice Working Group, a Seoul-based NGO, gathered information from over 250 defectors in 51 locations to create the report.
The rise in executions is linked to the regime’s effort to strengthen control over culture and ideology during a planned hereditary succession of power.
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Gunmen killed at least 29 people in a village in north-eastern Nigeria, and the Islamic State group said it was behind the attack. The attackers opened fire at a football game and then burned homes and places of worship, causing fear and displacement among locals.
Key Facts
The attack happened in Guyaku village, Adamawa state, Nigeria.
At least 29 people died during the attack.
Militants targeted people at a football pitch and then set fire to houses, worship places, and motorcycles.
State governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the site and promised to increase security.
Many residents have fled their homes due to fear of more attacks.
The region has seen ongoing violence from Islamic State-linked groups and criminal gangs.
Nigeria has been battling Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, since 2009.
The conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and forced over two million people to leave their homes.
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Australia proposed new laws requiring tech companies Meta, Google, and TikTok to pay local news publishers for using their content. If these companies do not agree to pay, they will face a tax of 2.25% on their Australian revenue to support struggling local media.
Key Facts
The draft law targets Meta, Google, and TikTok to compensate Australian news outlets.
If these tech giants refuse to pay, they will be charged a levy equal to 2.25% of their revenue earned in Australia.
The goal is to help traditional media companies survive as more people get news on social media.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the plan and stressed the importance of tech companies’ responsibilities.
The law aims to prevent tech platforms from removing news content to avoid paying fees.
Studies show over half of Australians use social media to get their news.
This move follows similar actions taken by Australia to regulate digital platforms and support local journalism.
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